The meeting was very well attended with people from across the community coming to listen to evidence on the effects of air pollution on local communities and presentations from campaigners and academics on what may happen if the new tunnel is built from the Greenwich peninsula.

Greenwich Conservatives support in principle the idea of a new crossing as a way of easing existing traffic congestion from the Blackwall tunnel, but have called for more evidence to be presented on the case for the proposed tunnel. During a Council debate on the issue earlier this year, Cllr. Fletcher pressed the Labour Cabinet Member responsible to meet with experts and campaigners, but she refused.

Cllr Fletcher said “The No to Silvertown group gave a strong presentation, with some compelling evidence from experts on existing air pollution in particular. We need to find ways to ease traffic congestion, and the questions raised over whether the proposed plan will achieve that deserve to be answered. I think it is disappointing that despite cross-party attendance at the public meeting, the Labour leadership of the Council did not attend, and have refused even to meet the campaign group. We need an honest debate on this, based on clear evidence – and the Council has not so far been very forthcoming on presenting the case.”

Thomas added “Residents of Blackheath Westcombe, Charlton and Peninsula wards will be very concerned about the potential impact on their communities. The Council needs to reassure residents that air quality will improve as a result of a second tunnel”.